Perceptions of pregnant mothers towards prevention of mother- to- child transmission of human hospital immuno deficiency virus at Ntcheu district.
Loading...
Date
2004-10-25
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Feasible intervention for prevention of MTCT are now available for use in Malawi though not readily accessible to all pregnant mothers at the moment. However, there is limited information regarding issues such as perceptions of pregnant mothers towards prevention of MTCT of HIV that may hinder or influence utilisation of these services in Malawi. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore perceptions of pregnant mothers towards prevention of MTCT of HIV. Specifically, it was done to determine pregnant mothers' knowledge on MTCT of HIV, determine pregnant mothers' perceptions towards VCT and to assess pregnant mothers' feelings towards alternatives to breast-feeding. A qualitative research design was used. One to one in-depth interviews using interview guide was tape-recorded to 1 collect information from 15 pregnant mothers at Ntcheu District Hospital. Systematic random sampling was used to come up with this number. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse demographic data while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis after transcribing the tapes. Results showed that 93.3% (n=14) of the participants were aware that a woman could transmit HIV to her baby through blood and breastfeeding, but did not know what could facilitate the transmission. With regards to knowledge about prevention of MTCT of HIV 40% (n=6) cited avoiding promiscuity while pregnant as the only way to reduce or avoid MTCT of I-W. 66.7% (n=10) of the participants knew that it is possible to prevent MTCT of HIV using drugs. However, they did not know what drugs are being used. Findings further revealed that there are some cultural and traditional beliefs or practices that can prevent a woman from taking these drugs. Findings also showed that 86.7% (n=13) of the participants felt that HIV testing is important and 73.3% (n=11) said they would go for it if given a chance. However, others said they could not go for HIV testing without the knowledge of their husbands. With regards to feelings towards the alternatives to breastfeeding 66.7% (n=10) of the participants knew that a mother could transmit HIV to her child through breastfeeding. Findings further indicated that 53.3% (n=8) of the participants felt that it is
impossible for a child to grow healthy while using breastfeeding alternatives. The findings therefore suggest that there is a knowledge gap, which needs to be addressed if the program of preventing MTCT of HIV in Malawi is to be
successful. The results of this study will help the nurse/midwives by enlightening them on the importance of counseling and educating the pregnant mothers on prevention of MTCT so that they develop a positive perception towards it. Thus, helping them to accept VCT, which is the basis
for prevention of MTCT. It will also increase the body of knowledge of nursing and the gaps that have been identified will act as a basis for further
research.